MyWordPal

Overview

MyWordPal is a fun, voice-powered learning app built specifically for children aged 6–9 who have dyslexia or find reading tricky. It helps a child master the high-frequency words needed to become a fluent reader.

The app listens to a child reading aloud, corrects errors in the moment, and reinforces learning through the repetition that builds fluency. Because it's entirely self-directed, a child can practise on their own — no appointments, no travel, and no frustration. In effect, MyWordPal becomes the child's own personal reading tutor in the browser.

My Role & Contributions

I built MyWordPal at Tintash — my first project in a frontend engineering role — and owned the entire frontend of the product end to end:

• UI from design to production — translated Figma designs into a polished, child-friendly interface in React, tuned for young readers.
• API integration — wired the React frontend to the Node.js / PostgreSQL backend services that power the learning experience.
• Voice experience — implemented text-to-speech with multi-accent support so words are read aloud naturally, and integrated the speech layer that listens to and corrects a child's reading.
• Payments — implemented Stripe to handle subscriptions and billing.

Key Features

• Real-time reading feedback — the app listens as the child reads and corrects mistakes instantly.
• Text-to-speech with multiple accents — words are pronounced naturally for a range of accents.
• Repetition-based practice — reinforces high-frequency words until they stick.
• Self-directed, child-safe UX — designed for independent use by 6–9 year olds, with accessibility for dyslexic readers in mind.
• Subscription billing — secure payments and plan management via Stripe.

Tech Stack & Architecture

• Frontend: React, built from Figma designs.
• Backend: Node.js with a PostgreSQL database, consumed via REST APIs.
• Infrastructure: Deployed on AWS, with static assets served through Amazon S3 and CloudFront for fast global delivery.
• Voice: A text-to-speech layer (with accent support) plus speech recognition to power real-time reading feedback.
• Payments: Stripe for subscriptions and billing.
• Version control: Git / GitHub.

Challenges & Solutions

• Designing for young readers with dyslexia — the interface had to minimise cognitive load: clear typography, large tap targets, and a calm, encouraging flow so children stay engaged and aren't overwhelmed.
• Natural voice across accents — getting text-to-speech to read words clearly and naturally for different accents was central to the learning experience.
• Independent use by children — the UX had to be simple enough for a 6–9 year old to navigate alone, without an adult guiding every step.

Timeline

• MVP: January 2023 – April 2023 · 4 months
• Product: September 2023 – January 2024 · 5 months

Links

The product is live at mywordpal.com.